Euro football fans given ‘stay safe’ warning

England's Harry Kane and Portugal's Joao Moutinho (right) battle for the ball during an International Friendly at Wembley

Published:07:00Thursday 09 June 2016

Ambulance chiefs are encouraging Wigan’s football fans to “stay safe” this summer during this year’s European football tournament.

As passions run high in the build up to UEFA Euro 2016 - three British teams are set to compete - for the first time for almost 60 years.

Statistically, the home nation encounters attract more TV viewers and with temperatures set to soar during the competition many fans will be tempted to drink more alcohol than usual.

Back on June 24 2012, domestic accidents and incidents spiked when England crashed out to Italy on penalties in the last tournament.

Ged Blezard, NWAS interim operations director, said the June 16 England v Wales clash at 2pm has particular potential for trouble because the earlier kick-off gives fans more time to drink during the hotter hours of the day. This can lead to dehydration and the effects of alcohol can become more apparent.

He added: “We would like everyone to enjoy the football and not ending up drinking too much and ruining the occasion for family members.

“We have seen from past episodes that domestic violence incidents spike during the more competitive football matches and this is a very worrying trend.

“We are urging all football fans to stay safe and to drink soft beverages and not just beer and other alcohol. This can help to avoid becoming dehydrated and drunk - too much alcohol often ends up in disaster with incidents of domestic violence which must be avoided at all costs.”

The public are encouraged to use their local pharmacy for minor ailments or see their GP for non-emergencies. Only ring 999 if you think you are experiencing a life-threatening or potentially life threatening emergency.